Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Intake Improves Lipid Profile and Liver Transaminases in Pre-diabetic Adults: A Randomized Double-blinded Trial

Background: Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) has garnered scientific attention for its beneficial effects on various chronic disorders, including type 2 diabetes mellitus. Objectives: The current study was designed and conducted to assess the influence of whole okra fruit powder on the serum levels of specific biochemical parameters in individuals with pre-diabetes. Methods: Seventy pre-diabetic patients, aged 30 - 55 years, were divided into two groups: The okra group (n = 35, fasting plasma glucose: 116.26 ± 6.02) and the placebo group (n = 35, fasting plasma glucose: 112.26 ± 5.8). The okra group received 3000 mg of okra capsules daily for eight weeks, while the placebo group received placebo capsules. Liver function, renal markers, and lipid profiles were assessed at both the baseline and the end of the experiment using a spectrophotometer. The impact of the okra intervention on biochemical parameters was determined using parametric or non-parametric analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results: The serum levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, liver transaminases, and uric acid were significantly lower in the okra group compared to the placebo group. Conversely, the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the okra group than in the placebo group. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding triglycerides, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and alkaline phosphatase levels. Conclusions: The consumption of okra effectively improved the lipid profile and certain serum parameters (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and uric acid) related to liver and kidney health in pre-diabetic participants.